Light Beef Noodle Soup
A savory and comforting beef noodle soup made from scratch. Featuring a clear, flavorful homemade broth, tender slices of lean sirloin, and crisp vegetables, this light yet satisfying meal is perfect for a wholesome dinner.
For 4 servings
Prepare the homemade beef broth
- Place the beef bones in a large stockpot and cover with 10 cups of cold water. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a clear broth.
- Add the quartered onion, chopped carrot, celery, smashed garlic cloves, sliced ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and black peppercorns.
- Simmer gently, partially covered, for at least 60 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or another pot. Discard the solids. You should have about 8 cups of broth.
Cook the noodles
- While the broth simmers, bring a separate large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles, rinse with cold water to stop them from cooking further, and set aside.
Sear the beef and build aromatics
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Pat the sliced beef dry and season with black pepper.
- Add the beef to the hot pot in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until just browned. Work in batches if needed.
- Remove the seared beef from the pot and set it aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Finish the soup
- Pour the strained homemade broth into the pot with the aromatics. Add the tamarind paste, coconut sugar, rice vinegar, and salt. Stir well.
- Bring the broth to a steady simmer.
- Add the julienned carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Stir in the chopped bok choy and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the leaves have wilted.
Assemble and serve
- Return the seared beef to the pot and stir gently to heat through for about 1 minute.
- Divide the cooked noodles evenly among four serving bowls.
- Ladle the hot soup, beef, and vegetables over the noodles.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra tender beef, slice it as thinly as possible against the grain.
- 2Cooking the noodles separately keeps the broth clear and prevents them from becoming mushy in leftovers.
- 3Don't overcook the bok choy; it should be wilted but still have a pleasant crunch.
- 4For a deeper flavor, roast the beef bones at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes before making the broth.
- 5Make the broth ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days to make weeknight assembly quicker.
- 6Store leftover soup and noodles separately in the fridge for up to 3 days for the best texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace beef bones with 200g of dried shiitake mushrooms and extra vegetables for a rich mushroom broth. Use firm tofu, pan-seared, instead of sirloin steak.
gluten freeGluten free
Use gluten-free rice noodles instead of egg noodles. Ensure your tamarind paste is certified gluten-free.
spicySpicy
Add 1-2 sliced red chilies or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce with the aromatics for a spicy kick.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the amount of sirloin steak to 450g and add a soft-boiled egg to each bowl before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Sirloin is a lean cut of beef that provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, without excess fat.
Rich in Minerals
The homemade bone broth is a natural source of minerals like calcium and magnesium, as well as collagen, which supports joint and skin health.
Hydrating and Nourishing
The broth-based nature of the soup makes it very hydrating, while the combination of vegetables provides essential vitamins and fiber.
Boosts Immunity
Ingredients like garlic and ginger contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, making this a great meal when you're feeling under the weather.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is quite healthy. It's made with a homemade, low-sodium broth, lean protein from sirloin, and plenty of fresh vegetables. It provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
